WHAT IS GIVE AT SGHS? ▪
GIVE (formerly known as the state's Governor’s
Initiative for Voluntary Excellence)is a student-run Service Learning program in which students perform
community service and take classes to help them reflect on that service.
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GIVE brings students together to share their reflection and service
experiences, helping them to make real choices, solve real problems, and
keep real commitments.
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GIVE demands that students connect their academic learning to an
expanded awareness of the outside world, including the needs of the
handicapped, the elderly, the poor, and the environment.
Active GIVE students must complete a minimum of 6 service hours and six
reflection credits per quarter (every 10 weeks). This program is not mandatory; therefore
it is something in which students choose to participate.
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REFLECTIONS What are the requirements?
Each GIVE participant must complete six (6) reflections credits each
quarter. In order to receive credit, the participant MUST turn in a
response document for each class attended. Most reflections take place
on Wednesdays during school in room B-2.
Who needs to do reflections?
EVERY GIVE participant must do reflections to remain in GIVE.
What if I can’t attend reflections classes?
There are plenty of independent reflections options that you can do on
your own at home. Information is available in the GIVE office.
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PORTFOLIOS What is a portfolio?
We make a portfolio folder for you and keep it in room B-2. It serves as
a record of your GIVE service. Each time you turn in a reflection
response document, we review and put it in your portfolio.
Who needs a portfolio?
Every GIVE participant needs a portfolio. At the end of each year, all
students must participate in a portfolio review. Many students also use
their portfolios for college/scholarship interviews.
What goes in a portfolio?
Each reflection response document you complete goes in your portfolio,
along with any pictures, craft projects, or mementos from your service.
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Adaptive Sports:
Students volunteer on weekends with the Tops Soccer, STRIDE
Tennis, and Fast Break Basketball programs helping youths with
disabilities participate in sports.
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ARC:
Groups of students spend one evening per week at group homes for
the mentally challenged. They play games, create crafts, and
establish and maintain good friendships with home residents.
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Beverage Recycling:
GIVE students coordinate the recycling of beverage bottles and
cans throughout the school. Students meet twice a month to collect
and sort.
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Bear Hugs:
Students meet weekly with community elders to knit hats and
sweaters for teddy bears.
The bears are then dressed and hugged at ARC group homes, senior
housing or nursing homes. The finished bears are donated to
individuals who are experiencing difficult times and loss.
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Bridge to Friendship:
Students visit elders at Baptist Retirement Center every other
Sunday afternoon to play games, share activities and make friends.
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Brothers:
High school students interact with Sacandaga Elementary School
students who may need a friend.
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Buddies:
Groups of dedicated students spend at least one study hall per
week assisting in the High School’s BOCES classroom.
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Holyrood:
Students visit the Holyrood House for adults once per week after
school. They plan and carry out a variety of activities with the
elders.
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Homework Helpers:
GIVE members help students at Sacandaga elementary schools with
their homework twice per week after school. They form lasting
relationships as they see the growth they foster.
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Library Helpers:
Students volunteer once a week at the Sacandaga library.
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Mission Meals:
Students visit the City Mission every other week to serve the
Community Meal and interact with those who need a nutritious meal
and a friendly face.
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Mission Treats:
Students prepare desserts to be served at the City Mission
Community Meal by those in the Mission Meals program.
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Reading Buddies:
On Tuesday and Wednesday right after school students walk to
Sacandaga Elementary and read one on one to kindergarten students
until they are dismissed at 3:05.
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Recycling:
GIVE students coordinate a year round school wide paper-recycling
program.
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Regional Food Bank:
Twice a month, students go to the Regional Food Bank in Latham to
help sort and package food.
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Sisters: High
school students interact with Sacandaga Elementary School students
who may need a friend.
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STEP:
Volunteers care for the horses in the STEP program and assist the
special needs individuals in the therapeutic horseback riding
lessons.
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Special Events:
Volunteers help in numerous school and community activities
throughout the year including,
Toys for Tots, Dinner with Santa, Holiday Hunger Appeal, Fabulous
Fridays and many more
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Special Friends:
GIVE students work with teenage students with mild developmental
disabilities at the Middle School.
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Sunnyview:
Students visit a local rehabilitation facility to work with
children and young adult residents weekly.
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Warm Welcome:
Students pair up with new high school students to help them
transition to SGHS
The file above in the Adobe
Reader PDF format.
If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can
download it for free here.
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Still have questions about GIVE?
Contact GIVE Coordinator Bruce Kohout,
bkohout@sgcsd.net for more information.
The GIVE office telephone number is 518-386-4357/347-3600 Ext.
66101.
